Furries Dance!

OK, so these aren’t the Furries you’re probably used to, but check out these amazing sculptures by artist Nick Cave. It’s part of his Soundsuits series that were shown at the Jack Shainman Gallery.

Metal armatures adorned with a range of objects including painted ceramic birds, flowers, brass ornaments, and strands of beads, top the figures and serve as headdresses that activate the sculpture and provide a visual and textural contrast to the soft bodysuit. Soundsuits, named for the sounds made when the sculptures are worn, are as reminiscent of African and religious ceremonial costumes as they are of haute couture. A multitude of references bring to mind not only disparate cultural traditions but they also highlight Cave’s diverse background and artistic training. Cave studied and danced with Alvin Ailey and created his own clothing line which he featured in a shop he opened and ran for ten years. He is as interested in fashion and cultural, ritualistic and ceremonial concepts as he is in politics, a domain that has always been part of his work as demonstrated by acts of collecting and reconfiguring elements and concealing the identity, race, and gender, of those who wear his suits. (link)

The Fur thing doesn’t always have to be a negative! Check out the other pieces here – the construction is really incredible, and I’m in awe of his work.

Kind of reminds me – in a seriously more cheesy way – of the Cat Dancing I saw a while ago..